Southern Foothills Initiative - 2nd round public forum

The Southern Foothills Community Stewardship Initiative will be hosting a second round of public forums (fora!) in southwest Alberta communities:

February 28 Turner Valley (7:00 pm Flare 'n' Derrick Community Hall)

March 1 High River (7:00 pm Heritage Inn)

March 2 Nanton (7:00 pm Community Memorial Centre)

March 3 Cowley (7:00 pm Community Hall)

From SFI's website:

"The second round of Public Forums will build on the dialogue that began in the first round [results of which will soon be posted on the SFI's website here]. Come and participate in discussing choices and identifying locally-driven strategies to maintain the health of the landscape. YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT! 

The forums are open to all – young and old, town residents and landowners, and those living, working and playing up and down the watersheds.  You do not have to have participated in the first round of forums to participate in this coming round.  All are welcome.  Those who participate should come ready to share their views and knowledge of the area, and to engage in dynamic discussions."

For more details, including background, venue addresses and maps, visit http://www.pekisko.ca/pk_sfi_home.html.

Pincher Creek Watershed Group, 3rd annual dinner, February 11

The Pincher Creek Watershed Group will host their third "Deadweed Dinner" on Friday, February 11th, at the Pincher Creek Golf Club Restaurant.

The program begins at 5:30 pm with a meet-and-greet (cash bar).  The buffet dinner will begin at 6:30 and entertainment (music, movies) at 7:30 pm.  

Please RSVP to 403 627 1646, or e-mail to karenlarter@hotmail.com before February 4 (limited seating available to first 60 people).  Tickets are $10 per person.

"What is planned is an evening of appreciation and fun - whether you are a hard working ‘Blueweed Blitz’ volunteer or just genuinely care about your creek, join us and enjoy some good food, music and movies. Kids welcome; however, no dogs! 

Find out what we have accomplished and what we have planned for the upcoming year. Then, sit back and enjoy the public premiere of some locally produced Digital Stories created by Pincher Creek Watershed Group members and friends." 

Nature Conservancy of Canada's 7th annual Eat and Greet, January 28

The Nature Conservancy of Canada will host their 7th annual Eat and Greet on Friday, January 28th, 2011, at the Waterton Community Hall.

5 pm: Socialize and Enjoy Complimentary Beef-on-a-bun Dinner 

catered by Twin Butte Country Restaurant

6-8 pm: Guest Speakers and Discussion on Our Changing World: the Future of Rural Landscapes.      

Including presentations on Our Past and Future Climate and The Chief Mountain Cumulative Effects Study.

Also, view repeat photographs taken in SW Alberta ~1914 and 2004.

Waterton Community Hall is located in Waterton Town site, next to the fire hall on Fountain Avenue (from first stop sign in town, turn left, then take the first right). A national park entry pass is not required at this time of year.

For details, contact Kim Pearson at 403.859.2218 (kimberly.pearson@natureconservancy.ca).

Fidler-Chapel Rock Transmission Project, Upcoming Open Houses

AltaLink will be hosting public open houses regarding the Fidler to Chapel Rock Transmission Project, part of the Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement initiative.  The Open Houses will be held in Pincher Creek on November 25 and December 1 (Heritage Inn, 4 - 8 pm) and in Lundbreck on November 30 (Lundbreck Community Hall, 4 - 8 pm).  

There will also be an information centre open to the public at the Ranchlands Mall in Pincher Creek, from noon to 8 pm on December 7-9 and 13-15.  

Stakeholders may also contact AltaLink to arrange for one-on-one consultation.

The public input from these consultation initiatives will inform route selection for the Fidler - Chapel Rock Transmission Project, in respect of which AltaLink plans to file an Application to the Alberta Utilities Commission for approval.

Click here to read the project Newsletter, or here to connect to AltaLink's project website.

Community Dialogue about Logging, * NEW DATE: December 7th*

SASCI will host an information session and community dialogue about logging activity in the southwest part of the province on December 7th at the Heritage Inn in Pincher Creek.  The event will begin at 6:00 pm with information displays provided by various stakeholders.  Presentations by area stakeholders will begin at 7:00 pm, followed by a moderated Q&A and dialogue session, starting at about 8:30 pm.

Groups representing agricultural, recreational, residential, and/or other land users and public interest groups who wish to provide an information display and/or make a presentation are invited to contact the SASCI Manager, David Green, at 403-627-1750 or dgreen@sasci.ca as soon as possible.  To promote balanced perspectives, we will try to accommodate a diverse range of groups representing a wide range of interests. 

Participants are encouraged to attend the Information Session that will be hosted by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Spray Lakes Sawmills on November 18th, also at the Heritage Inn.